Bahamahost Graduation Ceremony 2017

On Tuesday, July 18th, over 400 students graduated from the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation's Bahamahost Certification Program on Grand Bahama Island.

The graduation ceremony, which was held at Calvary Temple on Clive Avenue, featured a full- length program which was dedicated to the accomplishments of each student’s commitment to the service industry. 

Under the theme "Reclaiming Our Culture of Service Excellence,” the Training and Education Department within the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation highlighted the importance of participating in such a unique training program within The Bahamas.

Ian Ferguson, Director, Industry Training, said that "The Training and Education Department has been diligent in fulfilling the mandate to cover the islands of The Bahamas with relevant and practical training solutions".  

He continued to say that "Grand Bahama has never failed to deliver good numbers, and I know the quality is there, and the richness in the training is there, and so I really applaud you ladies and gentleman for doing all that you do, on behalf of the country and of the Ministry".

With a vision to shift the service culture in The Bahamas toward genuine hospitality, the efforts of Bahamahost educators and students remain crucial in elevating the tourism industry to a new dimension in service quality.

As a charge to the recent graduates vying to enter the tourism sector, Betty Bethel, Director, Ministry of Tourism and  Aviation, GBI, said that it is imperative for graduates to "Activate everything that [they] have learned recently in [their] Bahamahost training combined with the fundamental skills and attributes that speak to honesty, integrity, and pride".

Additionally, graduates of the Bahamahost Certification Program were also given wise words of counsel from Travis Robinson, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Tourism and Aviation.

Robinson said that "When I look at these graduates today, I am but hopeful. I am hopeful because more and more persons are understanding the importance of what we’ve called our bread and butter".

With graduates from the public sector, private sector, high schools, Bahamas Customs and Immigration and recertification courses, the Training and Education Department facilitated a total of nineteen sessions.

As the Bahamahost Certification Program continues to expand, the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation is expected to rebrand and relaunch the program in upcoming year.

Those interested in registering for the next Bahamahost session, please contact the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation at 350-8600.